Sure Thing Collective Vegas-style elopement experience opens at Capalaba

A Bayside couple have brought non traditional weddings to the Bayside after launching a Vegas-style elopement experience, drawing couples nationwide to its unconventional charm.

Sure Thing Collective's iconic vintage Kombi.

An intimate and personalised alternative to traditional weddings has opened its doors in Redlands, providing soon-to-be newly weds with an exciting, memorable and stress-free way to say “I do”.

During changing times of couples opting for a non-traditional wedding a Bayside husband and wife have created a Vegas style elopement chapel, ‘Sure Thing Collective & Wedding Chapel’, in the heart of Redlands, with their newly weds travelling from all over the country.

Having just opened in February 2024 at Old Cleveland Road in Capalaba, Steve Toganivalu and Romana Saeheng have introduced an exciting alternate way of getting married, for couples who wish to have a more intimate ceremony in a stunning chapel at an affordable cost.

Sure Thing Collective owners Romana Saeheng and Steve Toganivalu.

Ms Saeheng said she started her business with the intention of providing a memorable occasion for couples who preferred a smaller wedding alternative to the courthouse that is closer to home for Redlanders and memorable.

“Our space is beautiful and we personalise each wedding depending on the couple’s style and vision,” Ms Saeheng said.

“The economy, the property market, time constraints and covid have all been major players in the changing wedding trends but couples still want their day to be special, I just think that their priorities have just changed.

“We take the stress away from wedding planning and have an award-winning team putting everything together for them,” she said.

Ms Saeheng said her chapel is not traditional as there is no steeple and no stained glass.

“We’ve replaced those with disco balls and neon lights, but it’s not all about the bling it’s actually quite simple with lots of black and white,” Ms Saeheng said.

“We can add a couple’s choice of colour and fresh florals.

“Just to make it feel super special, we put the couple’s names up in lights on our entrance lightbox which lets your guests know that they are in the right place but really it looks cool in photos too,” she said.

Ms Saeheng began her career as a wedding photographer twenty years ago and during Covid-19 realised the increasing desire of couple’s to elope.

A couple being married at the Vegas-themed chapel.

“To elope is not what it used to be, it’s not the forbidden fruit of yesteryear and doesn’t hold the same connotations, many couples elope with and without their closest people.

“Many cherish the day as a ‘just us’ moment, and many turn it into a micro wedding with an intimate reception that follows,” Ms Saeheng said.

“I have specialised in smaller weddings from my other business Elope Brisbane and I wanted to create something fun and different closer to home, being a Redland girl myself.

“We have various packages available and themes, my favourite is the ‘Lover’s Adventure’ where the couple choose to arrive not knowing what they will be treated to on their special day.

“We organise their hair and makeup, their reception and dining experience completely stress free,” she said.

An iconic feature of the business is their vintage 73 Kombi van.

Sure Thing Collective's iconic vintage Kombi.

“We run our guests around in it and transport couple’s to the venue which always brings out smiles from them and other drivers,” Ms Saeheng said.

Ms Saeheng said Sure Thing Collective is perfect for any couple who want a memorable day without the financial burden.

“Today we know people have different priorities and aren’t wanting to go into debt spending thousands and thousands on a wedding day,” Ms Saeheng said.

“Our services is fun, stress free, affordable and totally trending,” she said.

To find out more about Sure Thing Collective, click here.